The day after the night before

Had a lovely night at a friends 40th birthday celebration last night.  Wonderful people, lots of laughs, a glass of bubbly or two or three...(think I may have lost count~whoops), fabulous music and yummy nibbles.  The fire was toasty and warm, although I didn't spend much time near it and there was no wind!

I have woken up this morning quite well (thank goodness it was possible for a sleep in though!) surprising really.

Things I am grateful for today

1. good friends with funny stories
2. sparkling wine
3. nice weather
4. friends who know when not to ask 'are you OK?'
5. opportunities to celebrate

An amethyst gift

 Have a wonderful day and keep smiling, Lee-Anne :)

My Addiction!

Hi my name is Lee-Anne and I am a beadaholic!

GOTCHA!!!  I doubt that was what you were thinking about when you read the title of this post.   Not only am I addicted to beads, and all things beady, but I am also addicted to metals and glass.  I could spend hours (and often do) in my little 'craft' room just playing with the beads, sorting, checking and looking.  Not actually doing anything, just dreaming and thinking!  When I can't work out what to make or inspiration has left me just 'playing with the beautiful beads can lead to a new inspiration.

Gemstones from http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelsexports

Gemstones from www.beadworx.net.au

Today my 5 daily gratitudes come from my addiction...

1. colour
2. glass
3. metal
4. shiny things
5. tools

Strange things to be thankful for but ones that mean a lot to me!

Ooops!

Well ... I was doing well with my daily gratitudes but then came a 'bad' day one when I probably needed to really focus on the wonderful things around me and what happens I don't write!

I spent the day yesterday doing things for others.  I picked up my youngest son from his uncle's house at the beach ~ my youngest loves to fish!  My eldest if learning to drive (yep very scary at times, but he is doing well) and he drove.  He did great until a police car, driving in the opposite direction, suddenly put on his lights and then did a u-turn chasing someone.  Of course, my son thought it was him, he pulled over and (phew) the car went screaming passed.  I had to drive home, no big surprises there.

Later in the afternoon, cricket training was on.  I took the 14 y.o to training and then sat near the water to file a ring I am making for a customer.   Lovely!  Peaceful!  It was so nice I went for a walk. Beautiful, and while walking I started thinking about ways I could put some of my activities into a better perspective so I would have more family time.  By the time I got back to the car I was feeling in a much better mind set (woohoo). And a lesson learnt - it really isn't a good idea to walk in thongs (flip flops) for any length if time unless you like have lots of blisters.

Taken by BraydenKD  http://www.flickr.com/photos/blkd/

5 Daily Gratitudes

1. peace and quiet
2. mindful occupation
3. sleep
4. water
5. perspective

 I hope you all are having a lovely day :)

I Am So Lucky!

Today is the fourth day of of listing my 5 Daily Gratitudes, and I have decided that today is the chance to tell you about why I think I am lucky.

1. I am lucky because I have a job that I love!  What can be better than helping the next generation  reach their full potential?
2. I am lucky because I have a family who love being together.  My brothers, sister, their partners, all of our children and my parents as well as my family love spending time altogether and we go out of our way to ensure it happens at least twice a year.
3. I am lucky because I have everything I need...yes there I things I would like but I don't need them.
4. I am lucky because I get to enjoy having wonderful friends around me.  I can chat to them whenever I want (or need) and they are always there for me.
5. I am lucky because I have a husband who looks after me and knows when I need to be left alone.  He is usually very encouraging and loves me!

Well, those five were very easy to write and I could have listed many more.

My husband and boys at the Twelve Apostles on the Great ocean Road in 2011

Have a beautiful day
Lee-Anne :)

5 Daily Gratitudes

So this is the third day of my gratitudes!  Running a little late today as I had breakfast with some friends, what a lovely way to start the day!

1. friends ~ it doesn't seem to matter how rarely we catch up it is always just like yesterday that we last saw each other.
2. Memories ~ whenever we meet up together we always talk about our beautiful friends who are now angels, we miss them but they're are always with us and together we share wonderful memories of their lives.
3. birds chirping ~ is there a sound which is anymore beautiful first thing in the morning?
4. My children ~ I am so lucky to have two wonderful teenage boys.  They are among the most important things in  my life!
5. walking ~ I love to walk! Walking allows you to take in your environment, think about anything or just tune out and relax

Have a fabulous day!  Catch you tomorrow with more 'gratitudes'!

My boys and I taken about 7 years ago at a lookout on Tasmania's West Coast

To be Grateful For Today ...

Thinking about the five for today.  Let's see...

1. rainbows ~ how can anyone not be thankful for the wonderful rainbows that arrive on the gloomiest of days
2. healthy children ~ when I see and read about all the children who are sick it always makes me so sad and I feel amazed at how strong the parents and siblings are of those children.  I am so lucky that my two are healthy
3. beads ~ I can't imagine my life without them now!  They are my relaxation and enjoyment in so many different ways
4. apricots ~ yesterday we picked our first crop of apricots from our tree and they are so delicious
5. smiles ~every time someone smiles it brightens up not only their day but also the people around them

Have a wonderful day!  I am enjoying starting my day like this, it really does make a lovely positive beginning.

Lee-Anne :)

5 Daily Gratitudes

I am going to try to write every day 5 things that I am grateful for... Hope I can keep it up

1. sunny mornings ~ just like today
2. boats on the river ~ there is nothing like looking out of the window and seeing the boats on the river
3. happy children ~ listening the children laugh and play always puts a smile on my face
4. hugs ~ a friendly hug can brighten even the gloomiest day
5. kisses from my puppy ~ well she is fully grown but her devotion to me and my family is beautiful to see

A cruise ship coming up the Derwent River as seen from my house

 

 

My 'puppy'